Sandoval plans campaign for attorney general

Erin Neff

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 9:11 a.m.

Former Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval on Thursday officially entered the race to be Nevada's next attorney general -- an early move designed to ward off any competition.

Sandoval, 38, is a Reno lawyer and former two-term assemblyman who stepped down from the Gaming Commission Aug. 1 to concentrate his efforts on a possible run for attorney general.

"I have devoted my life to public service, and I saw the attorney general's office as the best way I can protect the health, safety and welfare of Nevada citizens," Sandoval said.

The Republican has wide-ranging appeal among voters. His gaming background also will help him raise the $2 million he estimates the statewide race will cost from now until the November 2002 election.

Sandoval already has received $50,000 from the Mandalay Resort Group and anticipates raising $200,000 more by year's end.

"The reality of it is that this is a big state and there are two major cities that are very far apart," Sandoval said. "One of the reasons I'm getting into the race this early is to get out and meet the voters."

Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa has announced she will not seek a fourth term.

Other potential candidates, state Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, and Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, both opted out of the race, seeking instead re-election to their legislative seats.

Sandoval said that if elected he would place his sole focus on protecting Nevada's citizens.

As an assemblyman, Sandoval sponsored and supported bills that increased penalties for crime, including driving under the influence.

He has already received endorsements from the state's leading Republicans, including Gov. Kenny Guinn, Rep. Jim Gibbons and Sen. John Ensign.

Former Guinn chief of staff Pete Ernaut will run Sandoval's campaign with help from R&R Partners' Greg Ferraro and former Stations Casinos executive Mark Brown. Former Ensign campaign manager Mike Slanker and Robin Mercer, a former employee of noted political consultant Sig Rogich, also will work on Sandoval's campaign.

Sandoval said his work on the Gaming Commission helped give him insight into the state's leading industry. He testified twice before Congress on gaming-related legislation and has testified numerous times before the state Legislature.

He is married with a 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.